French Life-expat France

OK, the last couple of entries have been a bit serious so I’ll share a couple of more light-hearted anecdotes today. Curiously I heard a couple of amusing stories related to education yesterday so I’ll start with them (and probably finish as well, because I’m supposed to be mowing the grass).
We have a friend with [...]

Imagine a country with a history of farming that dates back thousands of years. Long before the Romans introduced vines to the countryside, neolithic man had started farming the fertile land. A tradition of fine produce was established that has crossed the centuries and survives until this day. For all those centuries, the inhabitants love [...]

Well, it’s been a while since I wrote here…I twisted my neck the other day and haven’t done a whole load this week. On the mend now and I might even have a gentle trip out on the bike tomorrow.
One curious thing. I thought lads in the UK all liked girls from southern Europe because [...]

Not only do I not have to go to an office or commute (although I work long hours at home when I can wrench the computer away from the rest of the family) but I can take long luchtimes whenever I want. So yesterday we went out for lunch to a very nice restaurant. Nothing [...]

Usually, down here in the remote wastelands of rural France, the world of politics passes us by. No bad thing I have to say. Occasional murmurings about Jacques Chirac and his lack of activity reach us, as France prepare for next years presidential elections, and the Economist likes to remind us every week that Tony [...]

Mrs B has received an offer from a local French teacher-friend, suggesting they help each other improve their language skills. Sounds good and sensible, except…the friend already talks very good English and has emphasised that the finer points of grammar are to be the area of focus.
Now Mrs B, like me (myself?) can speak and [...]

Wey hey woo hoo! Things are looking good! It’s been a week or two of successes here in sunny France, and I am sure you will want to share them with me.
First you have to appreciate that I live a quiet, usually uneventful life and what I might thing is an IMPORTANT EVENT might well [...]

At one end of our property we have a field, about a hectare (2 1/2 acres) in size, with good views, easy access to the road, in a beautiful setting and not overlooked by anyone else. Apart from the farmer who cuts the grass as hay for his cattle, no one has been in the [...]